I installed the RTM version of Windows 7 on my dell mini yesterday (through confusion I installed this instead of the RC which I have a beta key for).

I cannot activate it as I do not have a key.

All this talk of SLIC(sp?) activation etc is confusing tbh. I am guessing that validation now checks something in your BIOS to confirm it matches the VL key you are using (ie Dell to Dell). My last experience with VL was with XP sop not very current knowledge.

I see many downloads for pre activated versions of Windows 7 (OEM). Is there a way I can save downloading another 2.3 GB ISO (x86) and "fixing" my RTM install to work somehow?

Edit: Someone advised I just download this "Microsoft.Windows.7.ULTIMATE.x86.OEM.DVD-BIE". I would rather fix my install then start again, if I have to start again, I would prefer any method that does not involve faffing around with WGA etc.

Thank you for your very fast reply. I did see your thread with the tool, I just was not sure what these tools do, in terms of BIOS. if it makes no modifications to the BIOS, then great as it will let me activate my RTM (7600 checked hash codes etc) without any re-installing!

Will there be any modification to my BIOS? Could you explain in a nutshell how this activation thing works (or point me to the right place?).

1) run it as admin.
2) choose "Use the new beta loader (0.91)" option.
3) press the Install button.
4) click Ok, wait a little, then click Ok to restart.
5) after restart, report back to us if it works for you or not..

1) run it as admin.
2) choose "Use the new beta loader (0.91)" option.
3) press the Install button.
4) click Ok, wait a little, then click Ok to restart.
5) after restart, report back to us if it works for you or not..

I'm glad it works for you.
do you mind also test the "default loader" and the "older loader" options on your dell mini machine?
you can install it over, no need to uninstall..

Click to expand...

If it doesn't work, how will I know? Will the activation screen revert back to unactivated? I assume each time the mod (My BIOS is shown differently now to what it was in the screenshot) creates a new dummy BIOS and overwrites the previous one so I will eventually just put the Beta loader one back on.

If it does not work it may show you again the 29 days left screen
or you will have boot problems (but it's easily fixed on the recovery console with this command: bootsect.exe /nt60 all).
no need to backup files/bios or anything..

Daz
yes but if the "default loader" and the "older loader" will not work for him on his dell machine it will just prove the point that you should remove the "default loader" and the "older loader" options from your loader.